CMU students take on Chicago through Office of Student Activities and Involvement
Shopping, eating at local restaurants and exploring the depths of the city were just a few activities that Central Michigan University students were able to do on Saturday, Nov. 18. in Chicago.
Hosted by the Office of Student Activities and Involvement, the trip offered a day in Chicago for students to sightsee and explore the city for themselves. With registration at full capacity, a total of 108 students attended.
The trip cost $30 for each person which covered transportation.
Stephanie Hare, graduate assistant for the Office of Student Activities and Involvement, helped coordinate the trip.
“We do this to give students a chance to take a break from class, work, and other stresses of college," Hare said. "As well as providing a getaway to a larger city outside of Mount Pleasant."
Saginaw senior Sydnee Smith, expressed how much she enjoyed the trip.
“I did this to get out of Mount Pleasant for a day, as well as do some shopping for the holidays and explore,” Smith said. “I had a ton of fun.”
Ashlie Hinkle, a senior from South Lyon attended the trip to Chicago with a mission to sightsee. She spent the day shopping and was able to see the Christmas tree lit up in Millennium Park.
With the windy city preparing for the holiday season, students had the opportunity to watch the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Magnificent Mile Parade. The light festival entailed 200 trees illuminating Michigan Avenue.
The parade included floats that made their way though the streets of downtown Chicago leading up to the annual Christmas tree lighting.
Midland freshman Marta Kendziorski, said she spent her day shopping and at a museum, but also had the opportunity to see the landmarks of Chicago, including Navy Pier and The Bean.
“My favorite part was seeing the city because I don’t usually get a chance to see big cities like this,” Kendziorski said.
Hare said she was pleased with the outcome of the trip.
“The event went great. There were no hiccups and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” Hare said. “The plan is to continue this as an annual event.”
